Raising the bar - James Beard Foundation

Alpana Singh and Tavi J.

Last night we celebrated women in the Chicago’s beverage scene at the James Beard Foundation “Raising the bar” kick off reception. Returning to Chicago for the sixth year, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® presented a kick-off reception at The Lakewood Chicago. Raising the Bar – welcomed 200 guests to experience the city’s top women mixologists while launching a full weekend of Taste America events.

Hosted by Eden in Chicago Owner Jodi Fyfe and Chef/Partner Devon Quinn, Chicago’s leading ladies in mixology will created specialty cocktails in conjunction with Breakthru Beverage Illinois. Guests enjoyed a range of seasonal bites from Eden.

The esteemed lineup of local mixologists and sommeliers included:

Natalia Cardenas, CSS, Beverage Development Manager, Breakthru Beverage Illinois, Chicago

Julieta Campos, Head Bartender, The Whistler, Chicago

Jarmel Doss, Assistant Bar Director, The Aviary, Chicago

Julia Momose, Beverage Curator, Oriole, Chicago and Partner, Kumiko, Chicago

Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier; Host of Check, Please!; Owner of Terra & Vine, Evanston, IL

Check out the yummy bites and drinks we had below and make sure to head to the James Beard website (jamesbeard.org) to see the other events you have to look forward to. I plan on going to the James Beard Taste of America cooking demonstration with Chef Paul Fehibach at Sur La Table on Saturday, October 27^th. For more info on Chicago’s Taste of America (October 26^th – 27^th) head to jamesbeard.org. See below for all of the yummy pics from last nights #Raisingthebar event!

Julia Momose – Oriole & Kumiko, Chicago. Oaxaca: Los Vecinos del campo Espadin Mezcal with Hojicha, Cacao, Hisbiscus, and Bitter Lemon Tonic

Eden: Sea Scallops with Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Bay Labneh, Pickled Grapes, Lime, and Horseradish

Julieta Campos: The Whistler, Chicago. There She Goes: San Matias Tequila with Pawpaw, Agave, Lime, Collective Arts Brewing prophets & Nomads Gose, and Ginger